INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee (IOC) President and Zimbabwean sporting icon Kirsty Coventry says lessons drawn from the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games are shaping preparations for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, particularly in the use of technology and adaptive venue development.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday as reported by Xinhua, Coventry said the Beijing Games provided a tested model for maximising existing infrastructure while embracing innovation, an approach now being applied to the Italian-hosted Games.
“Beijing 2022 showed us how to use existing facilities in different ways, and we have been able to do that here,” Coventry said. “It has been tried and tested and proven successful, and we will continue in that direction.”
For Zimbabwe, Coventry’s remarks carry added significance as the country continues to assert its presence in global sports governance through her leadership of the IOC. Her role places Zimbabwe at the centre of international decision-making around major sporting events, sustainability and innovation.
Coventry also expressed pride as she oversees preparations for her first Olympic Games as IOC President, noting that the Games extend beyond infrastructure to the inspiration drawn from elite competition.
“There is so much to be excited about beyond the iconic venues and the work of the organising committee. We will see remarkable athletes live out their Olympic dreams, and that is the essence of the Olympic Games,” she said.
She said preparations for Milan-Cortina 2026 were progressing smoothly, with close cooperation among organisers and stakeholders.
“The Milano-Cortina Organising Committee, the IOC and all stakeholders are working very well together. We are exactly where we need to be,” Coventry said.
Scheduled to run from February 6 to 22, 2026, Milan-Cortina will be the most geographically extensive Winter Olympics to date, spanning multiple regions and two host cities. Coventry said the decentralised model reflects new global realities, including climate considerations.
“The Games are more spread out by design. That allows us to adapt to new norms, including climate change. So far, we have not faced any challenges,” she said.
She added that organisers have created an environment designed to give athletes, officials and partners the best possible chance of success.
“I am very excited about these Games. They will be hosted at world-class venues in some of the most iconic and beautiful locations in Italy, and I believe athletes will have an exceptional experience,” Coventry said.
